Quantum's high efficiency solar panels achieve UL certification for US and Canada

IRVINE, USA: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide Inc. has achieved the industry standard UL (US) and C-UL (Canada) certifications for its 230 Watt series of crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic modules.

Quantum's solar modules have also been successfully tested under the California Energy Commission (CEC) guidelines and subsequently listed as "eligible photovoltaic modules" under the California Solar Initiative program for state rebates.

Quantum's German affiliate Asola currently manufactures solar modules that incorporate advanced crystalline silicon technologies per European standards. The Asola solar modules are labeled with the CE mark, certifying that the products meet the requirements of European IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards.

Together with Quantum's certifications to UL 1703 (US) and ULC ORD C1703 (Canada), the Quantum-Asola product-line certifications provide safety as well as performance conformity around the globe.

Quantum's solar modules are designed for reliable energy generation over a period exceeding 25 years:

Maximum Power Output: High efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells and low-iron, tempered and lightly textured glass that allows high transmission and ensures high power output.

Maximum Reliability: Precision cell placement and edge distances guarantee reliable, high energy yields; robust junction box with three by-pass diodes adds to reliability and performance.

Durability: Solar cells are encapsulated within a high-quality UV-stable ethylene vinyl acetate foil for durability; corrosion-proof and torsion-resistant aluminum alloy frame is constructed to be rigid, and without screws or corner connections.

High Quality: Each module tested for quality and performance, and verified for dielectric voltage resistance, ground continuity and power output.

"Quantum has a strong background in testing, validation and implementing process control systems to ensure highest quality products," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, the President and CEO of Quantum. "The UL certification is an important milestone that opens the North American market for us. We are excited to be qualified by the California Energy Commission for rebates, just as demand has accelerated for high quality solar modules."

Quantum's solar modules are slated for mass production in a state of the art facility planned for Irvine, California, with an expected annual capacity of 45 MW.

Quantum announced on January 19, 2010 that it has entered into a professional services agreement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) as a qualified supplier eligible to bid for competitive procurement of up to 200 MW of solar power projects, as part of the mandated Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program, with a budget of $455 million over three years.